Proudly Supporting

This week, happychild had the privilege of speaking with Megan Mitchell, Australia’s first National Children’s Commissioner. We were interested to understand more about her role and what she has to say about the state of children’s rights in Australia after her first eight months on the job. Read full article

With increasing numbers of children under 13 years of age receiving iPods, computer tablets, and smart phones for their own use, it’s important for parents to understand the dangers of handing over an Internet-connected mobile device without first enabling the built-in parental controls. Information about apps children are using on mobile devices. Read full article

When adults see media coverage of teens reacting aggressively to minor provocation, they often assume this behaviour is influenced by a teenager’s family background and experiences. And although a hostile family and school environment can contribute to aggressive behaviour, new research shows that the tendency of teens to act aggressively also depends on their belief about people’s ability or inability to change. This finding may help adults create education programs aimed at reducing violence and aggressive behaviour, and give parents important ideas on how to talk to children about people’s potential for change. Three key ideas for parents and teachers are included in this article. Read full article

Words not required to describe this extremely moving video. We dare you to watch it without being moved to tears, or at least rivetted to the spot. Australian singer Bec Cole's son made this video. " I thank him for letting me share this, his bravery will help others. So proud of my son.." Read full article

I knew from very early on that I had a sensitive child on my hands. Actually it was my mother who commented first but that’s the way it goes when he was my first child and her 7th grandchild. “He’s sensitive, this one.” He was only a few months old but she knew ... I can’t remember if it was Mr 10’s Kindergarten year, or Year One, but it was certainly very early on the day I picked him up from school and he informed me, “Mummy, I’m not like the other children.” Read full article

Four hundred Australian children (9 to 16 years old) and their parents, were interviewed for an Australian study about risks and safety for children on the internet. And by comparing the results of this survey with a larger European survey, it was found that Australian children are among the “youngest and most prolific users of the internet in the world.” ...The following risks were identified in both the Australian Report and the European study by EU Kids Online ... Read full article

Following a survey of 25000 children and their parents across Europe, a report was published called EU Kids Online; researchers aimed to provide information for policy makers about educating children and adults about online risks and opportunities .. .Included in the Report are the Top 10 Myths about online safety because in many cases, the researchers concluded that parents and adults in general are worried about the wrong things. Read full article

You can help guide your children to enjoy the best of the online world by becoming aware of how they use the internet, understanding the types of risks they face and learning strategies to manage these risks. The more you know about cyber safety, the more empowered you will be to protect your kids when they go online ... While social networking sites do offer many positive benefits to children, these do not come without associated risks. Discussing safe practices with your children for safe online social networking is crucial. Read full article